Sahara returns as Indian team sponsors

The Sahara India group announced it will return as sponsors of the Indian cricket team following an assurance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India that the logo issue would be resolved before the next year's World Cup.

The group, which withdrew its sponsorship following the International Cricket Council's objections over the use of its logo during the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka last month, reconsidered its decision on a request from the BCCI, a company statement said on Monday.

"On the request of Shri Jagmohan Dalmiya, president BCCI, and with strong desires of members of Indian cricket team, and in the best interests of cricket... Sahara has decided to continue to be with the Indian cricket team," the statement added.

Sahara said the decision was taken because of BCCI's support for the company in future ICC events and the assurance towards "resolution of the logo issue prior to the World Cup 2003".

But the group said it would take all appropriate legal action against all parties that might be responsible for non- display of Sahara's branding on team clothing during the Champions Trophy.

"Sahara will however proceed with all appropriate legal action against all the parties that may be responsible for non-display" of its logo on the players' clothing during the Champions Trophy and "shall seek suitable damages", the statement said.

Mail Cricket Editor